Friday Cooking: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken with Local Market Adventure

About

BeMyGuest Taipei is a cooking school for those who want to experience the truly Taiwanese culture. We are located at Dadaocheng, a historic Taipei city center area, with a lot of cultural and traditional gems.

Join Alex on a journey through the alleys of Dadaocheng, the historic heart of Taipei. As you wander through this vibrant area, you'll hear local stories and gossip while making your way to a traditional market. Along the way, you'll discover an array of local ingredients, have the chance to taste authentic traditional delicacies, and chat directly with local vendors to deepen your appreciation of Taiwanese culture.

One of the highlights is the irresistible aroma of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, or Xian Su Ji (鹹酥雞), a beloved street food that few can resist. Xian Su Ji stalls are a common sight at the entrances of alleys in Taiwanese neighborhoods—so much so that you could say they’re everywhere. Locals, having grown up with this dish, can quickly distinguish between the best and the mediocre vendors; in a way, everyone is an expert from a young age.

Today, “Xian Su Ji” (鹹酥雞) has become a broad term encompassing a variety of deep-fried delights. Besides chicken, these vendors offer tofu, calamari, vegetables, and more. At a Xian Su Ji stall, you can enjoy a wide selection of deep-fried foods, each with an irresistible aroma and flavor.

Making Xian Su Ji isn't too difficult; with a few key techniques and by following the steps shared by Alex, you can enjoy its incredible flavors at home. It might even become your next go-to dish for entertaining guests. Looking forward to seeing you in class!

You will learn:

• The unique spices used in Taiwanese cuisine
• How to make your chicken juicy and flavorful
• The art of marinating
• Techniques for proper flour coating
• The secret ingredient that makes it special
• Perfect deep frying methods
• How to season the fried chicken to perfection

Additional Information:

• This activity is suitable for participants aged 12 and above.
• The activity includes approximately 60 steps. Those who may find this difficult can choose to wait in a shaded area.

Menu

• Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

What's Included:

• A complimentary apron featuring an exclusive logo designed by "BeMyGuest Taipei."
• A selection of beverages: soft drinks, coffee, tea, soda, or beer.
• Recipes provided in English or Mandarin (via digital files).

Schedule

• 09:20 am: Meet up.
• 09:30 am: Explore Dadaocheng and the traditional market
• 10:20 am: Return to BeMyGuest Taipei Cooking Classes
• 10:30 am: Start of the cooking session.
• 12:00 pm: Enjoy the Taiwanese dish you created.
• 12:30 pm: End of the cooking class